VIDEO: The Fire and Police Commission named Brian Carlson as interim fire chief for the Rockford Fire Department. Carlson will step into the role following the departure of Chief Michele Pankow who was recently appointed Illinoisโ State Fire Marshal.
Carlson has been with the department for 27 years and is currently the division chief of administration. Heโll begin acting as interim fire chief on July 9. Due to requirements by the Fire and Police Commission, those applying for the permanent chief position are not eligible for the interim position. The commission, which oversees the hiring and promotions for the Rockford police and fire departments, is led by Rudy Valdez, Jonathan Reidy and Ingrid Hargrove. The commission says in the coming weeks it will launch a search for the cityโs new fire chief.
